It wasn’t all that long ago that the sport of pickleball was a bit of a novelty in Moose Jaw, a new game that only a few people played in a couple of gyms in the city.
Those days have most certainly come and gone.
Moose Jaw officially joined the wave of the fastest-growing sport in North America this past summer with the opening of a brand-new six-court outdoor facility next to the Kinsmen Sportsplex, and it’s expected things are only going to take off from here.
Close to 100 players are currently playing the sport all year round, with Timothy Eaton Garden and the Cosmo Centre two of the busiest facilities during the winter months. That’s on top of the school gyms that also see plenty of use as players aim to get some exercise while playing the low-impact badminton and tennis hybrid.
That’s what helps make the sport so attractive -- played on a surface about half the size of a tennis court and with lower velocity paddles and balls, the game involves far less movement and impact than badminton or tennis, offering a great solution for those looking for a less physically intense sport that’s easy on the joints while still offering plenty of exercise.
You can play for fun with friends, ramp things up with provincial and national tournament play, and if things get serious enough, even join one of the high-profile professional leagues growing all over Canada and the U.S.
Pickleball Moose Jaw serves as the major organizing body locally, with other facilities putting together their own league- and drop-in nights throughout the year.
With the new outdoor courts, Pickleball Moose Jaw aims to offer a host of programming this coming summer, including morning, afternoon and evening sessions throughout the week for players of all ages and skills. Plans are also in place to create the first-ever competitive leagues, offering the next step in the development of the sport.
Outdoor court passes for Pickleball Moose Jaw are $125 for the season, and offer access to all the PMJ exclusive playing times in addition league- and member-exclusive events on top of private court booking and loaner equipment if you want to introduce someone to the sport.
Folks are also welcome to drop by the courts and try the game for themselves outside of PMJ exclusive hours.
For more on Pickleball Moose Jaw and what they have to offer and to sign on for the upcoming season, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pickleballmoosejaw or send them an e-mail at pickleballmoosejaw@gmail.com.
